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Sunday, 23 May 2010

HEALTH CHECKS

I'm feeling really good today. Actually, I feel good most of the time these days but I don't really get on here to tell y'all as often as I would like.

I've had a few health worries recently but I'm feeling great now. A couple of months ago I went to the Dr to have a smear test. I do this regularly as required and haven't had any problems in the past. It came as quiet a shock to hear my results. Firstly, I was given the result over the phone by a nurse. I think sometimes the health profession see us as a number and forget we are human beings. I was basically told my results were showing abnormalities and the Dr suggested I visit a Specialist. Maybe I over reacted but I hung up the phone and burst into tears. The nurse was very nice but she didn't explain things very well. I've never had health problems before so I presumed seeing a specialist was serious and thought an explanation face-to-face would have been more appropriate.

After a talk with Steve, I decided to take matters into my own hands and visit my Dr. He explained that my smear showed abnormalities which were quite common in women over 40 but that if it was his sister or wife with these results he would refer them. He basically informed me that if there was a problem, it was best to find out now rather than wait another year. His gut feeling was to investigate further.

I've paid health insurance premiums ever since I started working but changed over to my ex- husband's policy when I left work about three years ago. When we went our separate ways, he cancelled the policy and I couldn't afford to pay the very high premiums (at the time). Bloody typical, I finally need the insurance cover and I don't have it any more. I was put on the Public waiting list and would have to wait my turn.

I was impressed with the Public system. I only had to wait a few days, the clinic was quite new and the staff were very friendly. Steve came along to hold my hand. I had a Colposcopy exam. I had to lie back with my feet up in stirrups while a tiny camera investigated down below. The Doc asked if I'd like to see what the camera was looking at on the TV screen. It was fascinating to see myself on the inside. He injected some dye to show the irregular cells and then took a small biopsy. It wasn't painful, just like a little pinch really. The Dr and nurse made me feel very comfortable and I knew Steve was right there with me, so it was all good.

It took a whole month to receive my results and it was a very tense time for Steve and I. Actually, I didn't realise how much of a strain until after it was all over. Felt like I had been holding my breath for a month.

I'm pleased to report that the cells weren't cancerous and my repeat smear has come back normal. In future, I need to have a follow up yearly instead of every other year. As usual, I have shared way too much information, LOL but maybe if someone reads this and is reminded to follow up on their health check-ups, it's worth sharing.

I have some other health stuff to share but I think this is probably enough info for one day.

Phew! Glad the abnormal cells weren't mutants! I know, the strain of not knowing something like that is just so CRAZY!` Anyway, that's another thing you can be grateful for! That, and you have a nice doctor, even though he's a man! (Mine caused me some serious hymen-related problems that Lucas took care of, though that's too much information there, so you're not alone in that!)

The good thing my love is that we went through this together and together we can get through anything as you well know.Me thinks it is good that you shere such experiences cos believe it or not some one out there may read it and might make things a bit more bearable.I love you babe.....xxxxx

I'm so glad everything turned out OK Karen. Thank you for sharing your experience it's the ability to share stuff like this that demystifies both tests and conditions and enables people to discuss their experiences and their concerns, that has to be a good thing x

So glad all is well. I can't imagine what it must feel like wondering what's happening to you. At least you had Steve there which must have been a great comfort. I had a headache yesterday and I had no one to share it with :-(